MICROSOFT MERGES THE PHONE AND THE PC
By Adnews Staff
U.S.-based Microsoft Corp. is getting into the telephone game. The software maker will launch its first telephone system in November in North America called the Microsoft Cordless Phone System. The phone plugs into the wall, as well as into the serial port of a computer. Using the phone and its associated software will give users various call management functions such as caller ID and call block. It will let them create personalized greetings and let high-priority callers ring through. Users can also develop up to 1,500 voice mail boxes for several users. Voice command functions allow users to place calls and check messages by speaking simple commands into the cordless handset. The software also logs all incoming and outgoing calls. In Canada, Microsoft will promote the system using in-store materials created by Schutz International of Chicago. Canadian PR is handled by Hill & Knowlton of Toronto.